#Lebanese financial crisis

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

The situation in Lebanon today is bleak. Carved out of the remains of the Ottoman Empire and subjected to years of colonialism-lite administration by France, its economy and infrastructure have been devastated by a long civil war, overlapping occupations by Syria and Israel, and corruption on a massive scale. Since 2019, Lebanon has been in the midst of a severe financial crisis, with widespread unemployment and hyperinflation. Now 80% of the population is poor and Lebanon is on the brink of becoming a failed state.

And yet, JD Harlock, Poetry Editor at Solarpunk Magazine, who lives in Beirut, believes in solarpunk. Join us for this episode to find out how that can be and what day to day life is like in Beirut right now.

You can find JD on X and Instagram at @JD_Harlock.

[collapsedsquid]

In the spring of 2020 Lebanon failed to make payments on $32 billion of international bonds. The Lebanese political class did not have the will to enter into serious negotiations with its creditors, resulting in a “hard default”. As the crisis escalated, it was revealed that without government approval the financial elite had used the accounts of the central bank to support Lebanon’s private banks, to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. [...] Meanwhile, the Lebanese parliament in a grotesque act of self-dealing in January 2024 passed a budget that promised to close the budget deficit of 12.8 of GDP by raising regressive value-added tax whilst decreasing the progressive taxes levied on capital gains, real estate and investments. For lack of reforms, the IMF is refusing to disburse any of the $3bn package that are allocated to Lebanon. The strategy of Lebanon’s relatively well-insulated elite seems to be to wait out the crisis hoping that in due course foreign donors will recognize that they have to provide support even in the absence of reform. Meanwhile, the on-going crises leave Lebanese with no option but to rely on the social and political forces that over the last decades have created the disastrous status quo. The most powerful of these is Israel’s antagonist Hezbollah.

[girlactionfigure]

🚨IDF BEGINS STRONG & DESTRUCTIVE ATTACKS ON BEIRUT - Updates from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

Moadim l’Simcha from Israel - wishes for a happy Succot intermediate holy days.

( VIDEO - demolition of Hezbollah buildings near the northern border adjacent to Israeli towns. )

❗️IDF WARNING TO LEBANON - All Lebanese residents who live near Hezbollah's economic assets - evacuate immediately. We will attack tonight and tomorrow economic assets that have helped Hezbollah.  In the next few hours we will attack in Beirut and throughout Lebanon.  “Buildings will fall in Beirut.”

.. IDF spokesman in Arabic addresses the people of Lebanon and informs them that the IDF is expected to soon attack the infrastructure of the "Good Loan Association" (Al-Karch Al-Hassan), which is a recognized financial institution of Hezbollah, through which Hezbollah finances terrorist activities.

.. ATTACKS HAVE BEGUN.

.. IDF spokesman publishes in Arabic in the last 10 minutes at least 14 evacuation notices in Dahiya and the Al-Baqaa area.

▪️STRONG GPS JAMMING.. reported in parts of Israel.  Mapping apps may not work, set ALERT apps to a location instead of “where I’m at”.

▪️TERROR PREVENTED - GERMANY.. an attack on the Israeli embassy in Germany was prevented: an illegal resident from Libya, a 28-year-old ISIS supporter.

▪️A HERO COMMANDER HAS FALLEN.. in battle in Gaza: Ahsan Daxa, 41, from Daliyat al-Karmel.  May the fallen receive mercy, and may the family be honored.

▪️A NOVA SURVIVOR HAS FALLEN.. to the trauma / PTSD, ending her life on her 22nd birthday.  Nova survivor, Shiral Golan, at 22.  Her family requested the info be shared.  May her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may G-d avenge her blood!

🔸ANXIETY / MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINES: experiencing issues? Help is available..

.. in English : Tikva Helpline by KeepOlim, call if you are struggling!  dial 074-775-1433.

.. in Hebrew & other languages (and English): Eran Emotional Support Line - dial 1201 or chat via eran.org.il  

.. Get Help Israel is offering 3 free sessions for war-related issues through vetted clinicians -  https://gethelpisrael.com/webpage/?title=israel-crisis-support-center

▪️HARRIS TO BAN?  Senator Bernie Sanders to CNN estimates that Harris will be open to accepting his proposal for a total arms embargo on Israel due to the war in Gaza.  (Although US Senator Sanders has no connection to the Harris campaign nor speaks for her.)

♦️LEBANON - IDF: Golani fighters killed about 60 terrorists in southern Lebanon, terrorist infrastructure were destroyed.

♦️LEBANON - IDF fighters continue their activity in the area of ​​southern Lebanon: many weapons and launchers were destroyed, including the launcher from which the launches towards the north of the country were detected earlier today.

🔹LEBANESE SPEAKER SAYS.. Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Navia Berri: I am authorized to speak on behalf of Hezbollah and it agrees to abide by UN Resolution 1701.

🔹THAAD.. The American THAAD system for intercepting ballistic missiles became operational today in Israel.

🔹SYRIAN PRESIDENT SAYS.. Syrian President Assad conveyed messages to Iran and Hezbollah not to embroil him in a war with Israel and warned that offensive actions from Syria towards Israel could endanger his rule.

▪️THOSE WHO WOULD GIVE UP.. Hundreds of academics signed a petition calling for sanctions to be imposed on Israel in order to save Israel from the Israelis who are interested in continuing the "Gaza massacre". The petition was also signed by MK Ofer Kasif, activists of the organization B'Tselem and Peace Now.

✡️A word of Torah: Crying is very bad; one must serve G‑d with joy.  The only exception is when you cry from joy and bonding with G‑d. Then it is very good. —Tzava’at Harivash 45.

♦️BEIRUT EVAC, HEZBOLLAH THREATENS, HOUTHIS (possibly) LAUNCH - Updates from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

Moadim l’Simcha from Israel - wishes for a happy Succot intermediate holy days.

▪️FAKE VISUALS.. within a few minutes of the IDF spokesperson threats, videos of explosions were already appearing on various channels.  THE VIDEOS WERE from 6 days ago - so FAKE NEWS.  We’re sure Beirut videos will be shared, but the real ones are not out yet.

.. Videos of Beirut traffic jams as people evacuate - those appear to be real and semi-live.  

▪️GUNFIRE MODI’IN.. Following inquiries from residents about the sounds of gunshots heard throughout the city, the issue was investigated, and it is training being carried out at the military facility near the city.

♦️LEBANON - Enemy report: a massive movement of people fleeing Beirut has begun - following the IDF's threats to attack al-Qard al-Hassan facilities used by Hezbollah.

.. Hezbollah's "Good Loan" association has 31 branches throughout Lebanon, of which 14 are in Beirut, 10 in southern Lebanon and 6 in the Beqaa area.

♦️LEBANON - The government hospital in Baalbak began to evacuate after the IDF spokesman's announcement in Arabic.

♦️LEBANON - Six more sites have been added to the IDF's evacuation orders, 24 at the moment.

♦️GAZA - A strong attack is also reported in the north of the Gaza Strip.

🔹HEZBOLLAH COUNTER-THREATENS.. Hezbollah threatens through American intermediaries: "Israel will make the mistake of attacking our economic assets, we will be forced to escalate and launch precision missiles at the banks in the center of the entity”.

🔹UNIFIL ALERT.. Sirens sounding at UNFIL Naquora - Lebanon, Level (3): Extreme Danger.

⭕MULTIPLE ROUNDS of SUICIDE DRONE attacks on NAHARIYA from HEZBOLLAH.  No casualties reported.

❗️(unconfirmed) Reports of LAUNCHES by the HOUTHIS - YEMEN.  If ballistic missiles, we’ll know within 15 minutes as alerts come in.  If cruise missiles, in a hour.  Drones much longer (2-6 hours).  The ballistic missiles are low volume but high flying, so result in a very wide alert area due to possible falling debris from interception.

🇺🇸The Jerusalem Post: "The Biden government leaked to the Iranian government Israel's plan to attack Iran and gave the exact date it would be carried out and the targets of the attack."

Part 2

⚠️ ESCALATING ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES AND PREPARATIONS FOR A MAJOR ATTACK ON IRAN AMID INCREASING THREATS FROM HEZBOLLAH AND IRAN-BACKED FORCES

🚨 US Army convoy, including THAAD systems, is moving around Be'er Sheva, Central Israel. The convoy also includes fuel tankers and generators.

💥 Intense Israeli airstrikes target the southern suburbs of Beirut, including a strike on the main entrance of Al-Manar TV headquarters, affiliated with Hezbollah.

🔴 Israeli military spokesman Hagari stated, "We have drawn up attack plans targeting every place in the Middle East that poses a threat to us."

🔴 An Israeli security official revealed to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority that Israel is preparing for a major attack on Iran and is ready to repel any subsequent Iranian responses.

💩 Iranian military sources to "Tasnim" News Agency warned, "Our finger is on the trigger, and the biggest surprise awaits the Israelis." They added that if Israel attacks military or nuclear sites, Iran's response would be "certain and beyond Israeli expectations," potentially leading Iran to reconsider its nuclear policies.

❗️ Donald Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, regarding a strike on Iran, "You do what you have to do."

⭕ The IDF confirmed that a drone launched from Iraq towards Israel was shot down over Syria before entering Israeli airspace. The drone was intercepted without any sirens being sounded. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the drone attack on a target in the Golan Heights.

Source: t.me

[opencommunion]

"In accordance with the program of their 1968 second congress, the Lebanese communists considered Lebanon as a capitalist country with bourgeois relations of production prevailing in most sectors, including agriculture. But in spite of its relatively advanced level of development in the region, Lebanon still remained dependent on foreign capital: it was a country with distorted social and economic structures, with the service sector dominant over the main and vitally needed productive sectors. According to the congress, the attempted reforms by the big bourgeoisie forces were doomed to failure because 'they did not get at the root and main causes of the crisis: the supremacy of the financial oligarchy, which fully controlled the economic and political destiny of the country, and the dependence of the Lebanese economy on neocolonialism.'

The necessary task ahead was therefore to 'establish national democratic power and complete the stage of the general democratic struggle, preparing the ground for the transition to socialism.' The party called for setting up 'a national democratic regime representing the alliance of the workers, peasants, urban petty bourgeoisie, revolutionary intellectuals and those sections of the middle bourgeoisie linked with domestic industrial and agricultural production.' If it gained power, such a regime would liquidate the assets of foreign (predominantly American) monopoly capital, nationalize the holdings of Lebanese financial capital, establish a public sector assuming control of foreign trade, develop the industrial sector, and enact farreaching agrarian reforms." Tareq Y. Ismael and Jacqueline S. Ismael, The Communist Movement in Syria and Lebanon (1998)

[wordsmithic]

Hello ! About your post on how greeks arent western, do greeks really considers themselves closer to levantine/north africans than to northern europeans ? Most of the greeks i've seen were adamants that they had way more in common with england or sweden than lebanon or syria and most of you dislike muslims so greeks actually feeling more connected to non euro mediterraneans than others europeans and hanging out with them bc of perceived similarities is really surprising.

(My apologies if you got my ask multiple time my wifi was having a stroke)

I think Greeks who claim we are closer to NW Europeans refer mostly to the social aspect of things, probably to the situation of Human Rights and views of women and minorities. That's what my experience has shown me, at least.

They also forget that they eat roasted lamb on Easter and dance kalamatiano on full volume with their family outside the whole day, or go to a pazari for the festivity of a saint and eat souvlaki, or watch people jump over the fire at festivities, and scream every time they see their grandma putting semedakia everywhere 😂 (stuff closer to the Middle Eastern life) When they have grown up with singers like Sharbel (Lebanese Greek-Cypriot) and Arash (Iranian-Swedish) and songs which are covers with 50 more versions across the Middle East!!!

The latest trend in Greece is to try to be more like the US and NW Europeans culture-wise (Americanization is a big thing here, and it was discussed also in Greek school). This includes seeing traditional Greek culture as barbaric/rural and being ashamed of it. Hence why many Greeks conveniently forget that part of their culture when they compare their daily life to a foreigner's.

Due to the Americanization and turn of Greece toward the EU, many Greeks have not learned about Middle Eastern cultures and actually tend to believe US propaganda which paints Eastern countries as savage backwaters. I've met grown Greeks who think Iran is still at war with Iraq, for example. But they don't know that Iran is actually friendly with Greece (as a Greek you can get an Iranian visa pretty fast), that Greece bought cheap oil from them during our financial crisis, and they also have a cultural center and an embassy in Athens.

Greeks who feel closer to NW Europeans tend to be misinformed about Eastern cultures. I don't think they have taken into account factors like the multitude of common phrases and basic words, our common ways of politeness (how to bring gifts and how to have complicated rituals of politeness like tarof), common ways of receiving guests and honoring other people, same traditional coffee + 90% of our dishes being the same, similar dances, instruments, fairytales, legends, symbolism like the pomegranate, etc.

I don't personally know the Greeks you've spoken to but the attitude of some Greeks when it comes to Eastern cultures is "wait, do you imply that we are like them??" And then you show them how the other culture actually looks like and they're like "huuuh! I had no idea!" Also, last time I checked, NW (Catholic, Protestant, etc) churches didn't have a balcony for women but guess which do: Greek orthodox churches (it's called γυναικωνίτης) and mosques!

Some have not even thought of our similarities until they go abroad and find themselves suddenly vibing and having fun with Arabs and Turks (bonus points for historical jokes). And Lebanon?? The Lebanese are like Greeks 2.0 in appearance, customs (especially with the Christian population), songs, food, family etc. When I first discovered videos of a Lebanese youtuber (shoutout to Mark Hachem) I initially thought his family was Greek-Lebanese from all the similarities. You would have Pascha or a wedding with a Lebanese family and you wouldn't know they were of another ethnicity until you tried to speak to each other 😂

Something else to consider: Greeks say all the time how NW Europeans are not open, how they don't have proper nightlife and don't enjoy their lives, how their cuisine sucks, their dances are silly, they drink without meter, they are too strict, they don't want to be open to other cultures and speak to foreigners in English, they take too long to form friendships, they are very set in their ways. I don't mean that this is true for every single NW European. I only mean that these are basic cultural things that Greeks (with their own biases) recognize as different from theirs to the degree of dislike. How come then that so many Greeks criticize NW Europeans for such basic elements of life, and yet they see themselves to be just like them? Isn't that contradictory?

It's true that in Greece, Afghanis, Syrians, Iranians, Pakistanis, and other Middle Easterners are not seen in the best way but this is mostly because they are "the poor immigrants". You won't be shocked to learn that in Middle Eastern countries they also look down upon their own "poor immigrants" who "bring crime and take jobs". So I would say this is a worldwide phenomenon. In Greece, there's always the historical trauma from our former Muslim conquerors/slavers/genociders (search about the amele taburu) and Erdogan who is quite provocative, but modern socioeconomic barriers and political biases play a much bigger role in how Greeks approach their neighbors. I don't see Greeks having such a problem with rich Arabs from the UAE who buy Greek land, bring their yachts, and close off hotels for their parties, in spite of the larger cultural and religious differences 😉

It's not that we cannot have fun with NW Europeans or that we have nothing in common. Many Greeks have comfortably made a new life in the UK, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Germany etc. Many NW Europeans are a pleasure to befriend as a Greek. And there are various levels of similarities with Western countries depending on the country. With some Greek friends were were saying the other day how we can more easily share a life philosophy with people from the UK and France than the US, for example. (The US is more isolated and far) Of course, we are more likely to feel quite close to South Italians, Spanish, and Portuguese people because we are all around the Mediterranean basin.

Hopefully I covered you and I didn't bloat your liver too much with such a wall of text 😂 Have a great day, or night!

[kristinhelberg]

Seven uncomfortable truths

Anyone wanting to fully understand the current Middle East crisis must face up to realities on the ground. For many, however, this is at odds with the schematic picture they have in their heads. Here are seven uncomfortable truths crucial to de-escalating the situation and finding a solution

Analysis Qantara 27.2.2024

Regional tensions will not de-escalate without a ceasefire in Gaza.

The war between Israel and Hamas is directly or indirectly affecting all nations, their governments and 400 million people in the Middle East. 

The military clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese border, the missile attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan as well as subsequent American retaliatory action, Israeli missile attacks on Syria and the targeted killing of high-ranking militia leaders – these are all sideshows destabilising parts of the region. 

Yes, people in Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran are suffering first and foremost because of the unscrupulousness and incompetence of their rulers, but in many places, the historical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians over land serves as a projection screen, a pretext or to fan the flames of conflict. It cannot be managed with security measures nor resolved by military means.

The axis of resistance is capable of more than terror.

Its members – Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Palestinian territories, the Houthis in Yemen, the Islamic resistance in Iraq and the Iranian-controlled militias in Syria – all share a common ideology with their sponsor Iran: enmity towards Israel and the USA. 

But this isn't just used to justify the armed struggle, it's also a way for them to gain political power and social influence in their respective countries. They participate in governments, control regions and benefit from injustice, state failure and local conflicts. The war in Gaza is boosting their popularity – at home and across the region as a whole.

But Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis and the like aren't simply taking orders from Tehran, they're also hybrid actors with their own sets of interests. To regard them simply as aberrant terrorist gangs in the service of Iran doesn't go far enough. For sure, they would struggle to operate without the financial and military support of the Islamic Republic, but not every rocket launch or drone attack is coordinated with the leadership in Tehran. 

It also had no prior knowledge of plans for 7 October. Operational autonomy with simultaneous strategic coordination by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards – this formula enables rulers in Tehran to ramp up pressure on the common enemy Israel and the USA without taking responsibility for it.

No one wants full-scale war, but individual flashpoints can still get out of control.

A direct confrontation between the USA and Israel on the one side and Iran and its allies on the other would come at a huge cost to everyone and is therefore in nobody's interests. The threats and sabre rattling continues, but the military attacks remain limited. They are aimed at deterring the enemy and encouraging a retreat; while at the same time signalling strength and determination to their own clientele.

But proxy wars harbour the risk of escalating unintentionally due to opaque chains of command and the fact that conflict parties aren't communicating directly with one another. To prevent this, those involved must shoot less and talk more.

American and British missile attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen aren't making Red Sea shipping safer – drone defence manages that perfectly well – they're turning the Houthis into heroes in the fight for the Palestinians and against Western imperialism. Equally counterproductive are Israel's attempts to drive Hezbollah from the border with military force, so that tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis can return to their homes and live in safety. 

Although from the area north of the Litani River 30 km from the border, Hezbollah can no longer fire precision-guided missiles at border towns, its rockets can still reach targets in Israel. Israeli intimidation is also boosting Hezbollah's standing within the populace. In Lebanon too, tens of thousands of people have fled from the south; Israel is seen as the aggressor. 

In view of an imminent Israeli offensive, many see Hezbollah as necessary resistance, even those who have nothing in common with the Shia Party of God and in more peaceful times would be calling for its disarmament. Diplomatic efforts are more promising, but without progress in Gaza these will come to nothing, as Hezbollah is only prepared to negotiate its withdrawal if Israel halts its attacks on Gaza.

Netanyahu needs crisis mode to stay in power.

Israel's prime minister was prepared to abolish the independence of the judiciary to save his political career, engaging with fascists to do so. These utilised elements of the Israeli army to enforce their settlement and annexations plans, which contributed to security force failures on 7 October. The process of reappraising these political and military-strategic errors will begin as soon as the war is over; most Israelis are already calling for Netanyahu to step down. 

That's why the prime minister has no interest in bringing the conflict to a swift end, he needs a permanent state of crisis to restore his image as Mr. Security. He promises not to relinquish security control over Gaza, to prevent a sovereign Palestinian state and to end Hezbollah bombardment in the north, even if this may result in an open confrontation with Lebanon. 

Instead of making concessions to free more hostages, Netanyahu and his right-wing extremist government are fanning the flames of the conflict to push through their own power fantasies. They are not partners, but an obstacle on the path to peace.

Israel's radical settlers and nationalists mean business and what's happening in Gaza serves their goals.

The Hamas attack has bolstered Israel's right-wing extremists; some of their racist views are reflected within the public. For the settler movement, the war in Gaza represents the one-off opportunity to promote their visions of a Greater Israel: the permanent settlement of the West Bank and Gaza, which goes hand in hand with the institutionalised unequal treatment of Palestinians (apartheid under international law) or their expulsion. 

These openly presented plans fly in the face of international law, UN resolutions and what the rest of the world, including close allies of Israel, regard as a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Nevertheless, there's little resistance. Americans and Europeans repeat what's not allowed to happen in Gaza without admitting that this is exactly what Israeli warfare is amounting to. No territorial changes? To the south of Gaza City, the army is building a military road from East to West that divides the territory and establishes a buffer zone along the border, twice as large as before. Of the 2,850 buildings there, Israeli TV broadcaster Channel 12 says 1,100 have already been destroyed; farmland is also affected. 

No permanent displacement of the local population? 1.9 million people are now refugees in Gaza, the destruction of homes and infrastructure – more than half of residential buildings, hospitals, universities, schools, mosques and churches have been damaged or destroyed – is hampering the prospects of return and a future existence. 

No Israeli occupation and settlement of Gaza? Netanyahu's 'day after' plan for Gaza may not entail settlement construction, but it does envisage a permanent military presence. Under his plan, the Israeli army should retain "unlimited operational freedom" and control of all land west of Jordan, i.e. all access by land, sea and air. The Palestinians are to be "demilitarised" and "deradicalised" and self-governed "as far as possible". This is a situation they are already familiar with – it's called occupation.

The most specific plans for post-war Gaza are coming from pro-settler organisations and real estate companies: Beach-side villas and the "promotion of voluntary emigration" aimed at scattering the population of Gaza throughout the world and destroying it as a group (genocide under international law). 

The International Court of Justice has called on the Israeli government to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to hatred and expulsion and protect the people in Gaza from it. At a "Victory of Israel" conference in Jerusalem, 11 ministers in the Israeli government celebrated the resettlement of the Gaza Strip. It is high time that any support for this government comes with strings attached.

Using military means alone to fight Hamas is strengthening them politically.

Hamas is already more popular than it was before 7 October – not necessarily in Gaza, but in the West Bank their approval ratings have tripled. Although many people don't share their Islamist ideology, they respect them as a "resistance movement". 

Although people in the Middle East reject crimes such as those perpetrated on 7 October – sexual violence, the slaughter of civilians and the abduction of women and children – they fete Hamas as the only actor achieving something for the Palestinian cause – even if that's just steering international attention onto the suffering of the Palestinian people. The 7 October atrocities are either played down or dismissed as fake news.

This reality denial has assumed frightening proportions on both sides: the 7 October massacre is being ignored and denied in the Arab world; people in Israel don't want to see the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Existential fears intermingle with the desire for revenge, the other is dehumanised as a way of doing them maximum harm. But rather than creating any kind of security, this just generates more terror and violence.

After months of war, the aim of obliterating Hamas as a militia is proving to be unrealistic. Even if most of the fighters in Gaza in dead and all the tunnels and rockets have been destroyed, any remaining supporters will reform and find new recruits. 

And they don't need many to act as spoilers torpedoing any attempts to establish a post-war order. For this reason alone, it would appear sensible to use existing channels to the Hamas leadership in Doha for the hostage negotiations and indirectly involve pragmatists within Hamas.

Hamas will also continue to exist as a political party, social movement and ideology. That's why the world must find a way to interact with it, just as it once did with Yasser Arafat's Fatah – elevated from terrorists into negotiating partners when there was hope for a political solution to the conflict during the hammering out of the Oslo accords.

Recent documents show that there are politicians within Hamas open to progress along comparable lines. In contrast to the organisation's founding charter of 1988, its 2017 policy document no longer contains any anti-Jewish references; Hamas declared its willingness to accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The charter states that Hamas is not waging a war against Jews, but against the occupation.

In January, Hamas published a 16-page report which also explains its motivations for the 7 October terror attack. The document is titled "Our Narrative… Operation Al Aqsa Flood" and deserves attention – even as a piece of propaganda.

The "operation" targeted Israeli military sites and was aimed at detaining soldiers for a prisoner exchange, the report read. The Al-Qassam Brigades' fighters were committed to "avoiding harm to civilians, especially children, women and elderly people". Any targeting of civilians happened "accidently" and as "faults" due to the rapid collapse of the Israeli security and military system. What sounds like a mockery of the victims corresponds to the narrative in the Middle East.

In its report, Hamas also refers to investigations and statements from the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, thereby speaking the language of the West. In statements aimed at the anti-colonial left wing and the Global South, it writes that it is not fighting against Jews because they're Jews, but against the Zionists occupying Palestine: "Yet, it is the Zionists who constantly identify Judaism and the Jews with their own colonial project and illegal entity".

The document is evidence of strategic thought processes within the Hamas leadership. Members of this leadership will attempt to convert their current popularity into political influence; any route to a solution to the Palestinian question must lead to them. Negotiations between Fatah and Hamas are already underway; Hamas could join the PLO in the medium term. 

The two-state solution is dead, but without Palestinian sovereignty, there can be no future for Gaza and no normalisation of Arab-Israeli relations.

For a solution in Gaza, to give dignity to the Palestinians and security to the Israelis, the withdrawal of the Israeli army and the free but internationally monitored movement of goods and people is fundamental. 

After all, no Arab nation will want to get involved in Gaza while it is under permanent Israeli military control. However, the financial, political, economic and possibly military support of neighbouring states is crucial for Gaza's resurrection.

That's why U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is making regular trips to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt before conducting talks in Tel Aviv and Ramallah. In a bid to wrest a commitment to a sovereign Palestinian state from the Israeli government, he's attempting to lure it in with improved relations with its Arab neighbours. Blinken knows: for a normalisation of relations with Israel and unlike in the past – Saudi Arabia and other states will insist on Palestinian self-determination.

As this isn't on the cards, it must at least be promised by Israel and promoted by the U.S. and Europe. Should the Israeli government continue to deny Palestinians the right to state sovereignty, the Americans and Europeans should follow the example of the more than 100 countries that have already recognised Palestine as a state. Then, the unilateral position wouldn't be global recognition, but Israel's denial of Palestinian statehood.

Ultimately, the two-state solution envisaged in Oslo 1993 won't be realised, because most of what are now 700,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem aren't just going to disappear into thin air – they're not going anywhere. A more realistic prospect might therefore be a confederation of two states – a proposal that experts have been mulling over for years that would solve the two big problems: the continued existence of Israel as a Jewish state and the Palestinian right of return.

This would allow for the existence of an Israeli and a Palestinian state (more or less within the 1967 borders), whose citizens – like those living in the European Union – are permitted to live in the other country without acquiring citizenship there. A settler remains an Israeli citizen and votes in Israel, even if he lives in the West Bank and is subject to the laws there. 

A Palestinian from Berlin or Bethlehem becomes a Palestinian citizen and elects parliament in Ramallah, even if he moves to Haifa or Tel Aviv. Laws would control immigration on both sides. Israel would remain Jewish and Palestine Arab – but people could live where they want or stay where they are.

This is difficult to imagine in the current situation, with such levels of mistrust, fear and hatred on both sides. But without vision, there can be no rapprochement. And without rapprochement, there will only be more violence and escalation – across the region as a whole.

[mariacallous]

The Biden administration’s response to the atrocious attack by Hamas and the ensuing crisis can be seen from three perspectives: the immediate response, the need to deal with the major challenges presented by the crisis, and the administration’s quest to fit its response into its larger Middle Eastern policy.

The Biden administration’s response

The administration and President Joe Biden, in particular, swiftly responded to the shock of the surprise attack, Israel’s initially ineffective response, and the graphic reports and footage of Hamas’ atrocities. Biden stood up as a staunch friend and supporter of Israel and delivered two eloquent speeches that expressed his feelings and emotions and laid the foundation for the actual measures of support: dispatching two aircraft carrier groups to the region, sending resupplies, and announcing a large financial aid package that has yet to go through Congress.

The president and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued warnings to Iran and its proxy Hezbollah not to join the fray. This was particularly important in the first two days as the Israel Defense Forces was seeking to regain its grip as it was recovering from the initial shock. The U.S. secretaries of state and defense flew to Israel as did Biden himself on October 18.

Biden’s trip to Israel

The president’s visit, in addition to serving as a powerful expression of sympathy, was also intended to deal with two immediate challenges: preventing the war’s expansion through an attack by Hezbollah or a less likely Israeli preemptive strike, and the need to limit the scope of Israel’s imminent ground operation to contain the damage to the civilian population. There was a gap between Israel’s war planning and the U.S. concern with the civilian population and it took some give and take in order to come to a common view of the ground operation.

It should be considered that Biden’s relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quite complex. Biden has been critical of the Netanyahu government’s extreme right-wing character as well as of its so-called judicial overhaul. For several months, Biden refused to invite Netanyahu to the White House. More recently, this tension subsided when Biden realized that he needed Netanyahu’s help in order to get part of his anticipated agreement with Saudi Arabia through Congress. He also needed Netanyahu to respond to U.S. and Saudi demands to offer significant concessions to the Palestinians; the two met in New York in September and had a reasonably good meeting, but the underlying tension and policy differences are still there.

The administration’s Middle East policy

There is also the need to deal with the morning after and to adapt the Biden administration’s larger policy in the region. The Biden administration needs to cope with a potential threat to the stability of allies like Egypt and Jordan as well as with Arab, European, and some domestic criticism of its support for Israel. Given Iran’s effort to activate five different proxies (Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime) against Israel, the challenge it presents to the United States itself as well as to several of Washington’s Arab allies, and the lingering nuclear issue, a more effective U.S.-Iranian policy is called for.

If we assume that Israel will inflict a deadly blow on Hamas as a military organization and government, decisions will have to be made about Gaza’s future. Clearly, Israel does not want to remain in the Gaza Strip and control and administer another 2 million Palestinians. The only reasonable and possibly available party to take control would be the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was brutally expelled by Hamas in 2007. The PA itself, it should be added, is weak, unpopular, and on the eve of a potential succession struggle. It would not want to return to Gaza on Israeli bayonets and an interim regional or international caretaker would have to be found.

This issue is intimately tied to the key components of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy. The administration came into office with little appetite to deal with Middle Eastern issues. Its stated objective was to refrain from an effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to focus instead on protecting the Palestinians’ quality of life and to keep the two-state option alive.

The prospects of an American-Saudi pact

With regard to Saudi Arabia, the Biden administration adopted the progressive Democrats’ critical view. Subsequent efforts by Biden to fix the relationship and obtain Saudi cooperation on oil production and prices were rebuffed. This began to change a few months ago when the negotiations over a massive entente began to take shape.

Until October 7, the prospects of an American-Saudi pact reinforced by Saudi-Israeli normalization were two important dimensions of a new U.S. strategy in the region. Around them, a coalition of moderate, pro-American states could be consolidated against Iran and its proxies, Russia, and China. And to boot, some progress on the Palestinian issue would be registered.

Right now, the notion of Israeli-Saudi normalization is suspended. However, future moves by the United States and Israel, a blow to Hamas, and deterring Iran and Hezbollah could be early steps in the consolidation of a pro-Washington coalition. Washington’s early and effective rallying to Israel’s aid is a powerful signal to other U.S. allies in the region. In any event, pivoting away from the Middle East is not currently an option.

For Israel, the need to solve its immediate problems (first and foremost, the hostages), restore its credibility vis-à-vis Washington and its own Middle Eastern partners, and repair its overall deterrence are of paramount importance. These tasks need to be carried out by a controversial government reinforced by temporary partners to an emergency war cabinet. In the war’s aftermath, there will be time and pressure for soul-searching and reckoning.

[horizon-verizon]

Why the Sanctions of Syria Do Not Work and the European Union/U.S. Government's Slowness

Article #1:

Nine out of 10 Syrians are living in poverty and are unable to afford basic necessities such as bread, milk, and meat. The local currency devalued sharply over the last year in parallel with the crash in neighboring Lebanon, and food prices spiked by more than a 100 percent. Nearly 7 million remain internally displaced and cash-strapped with no means to rebuild their homes and communities.

The country’s economy collapsed as a result of devastation caused by war, decades-long corruption by the Assad government, and the crash of the banking sector in Lebanon, in which not just Lebanese but Syrians too lost their deposits. But Western sanctions that banned reconstruction of any sort, including of power plants and pulverized cities, certainly exacerbated Syrians’ miseries and eliminated any chance of recovery.

Syrians had no expectations from a government that turned their homes, shops, and schools into debris in the first place. But they had hoped that foreign investors might come to their aid, rebuild the country, and allow them to restart their lives. That hope evaporated when the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act came into force in June 2020. The U.S. law threatens sanctions on any entity, American or otherwise, if it provides “significant financial, material, or technological support” to the Syrian government.

AND

But others suggest a more practical approach to mitigate the suffering of the Syrian people and avoid another exodus. They say that since no one believes Assad will be toppled by the opposition or dropped by his Russian patron anytime soon, a more nuanced policy is required. If the United States keeps its vast array of sanctions in place until Assad gives way to meaningful political transition, which the Syrian government sees as regime change by other means, the crisis will simply aggravate over time. But if sanctions can be properly leveraged and Syria’s economic distress eased, it might encourage Syrians to stay home.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has long recommended that the United States list “concrete and realistic” steps that Damascus and its allies must take in exchange for sanctions waivers. The Syrian leadership will not hold war criminals (or itself) accountable or even release all its prisoners. But it might deliver on other demands if sufficiently incentivized. The ICG says the regime could be induced to offer unrestricted access to international humanitarian actors, permit displaced persons to return home, and promise an end to indiscriminate airstrikes on areas outside regime control.

AND

“While this leverage is probably insufficient to elicit a change in leadership in Damascus, if wielded effectively it could achieve major objectives that are of strategic value to the West and life-or-death importance to millions of Syrians,” she said. But in order to better utilize their leverage, the United States and the EU need to define a clearer position demonstrating that while Damascus might not get things for free, there are achievable outcomes short of regime change that would elicit Western reciprocity, Khalifa added. “The starting point in negotiations can’t be that ‘Damascus won’t budge.’ The Syrian government, like any other conflict party, has and will continue to somewhat compromise when it feels like it has no other choice than to do so—at least as long as these compromises don’t touch the core of the regime.”

AND

Regional investors are keen to partake in Syria’s reconstruction and in exchange push the Syrian government to contain Iran. Last year, Jordan convinced the United States to let Egyptian gas and Jordanian electricity pass through Syrian territory to end Lebanon’s energy crisis but in the process also aid the Syrian economy. That move left analysts befuddled who wondered why the Biden administration had not leveraged sanctions and asked for something in return instead of handing out the concession for free. Andrew Tabler, a fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said: “To give everything in exchange for nothing is not wise.”

Article #2:

“I don’t think that this license will suddenly open the floodgates and allow for unhindered humanitarian access and delivery in Syria,” said Delaney Simon, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group’s US program. “There are just too many other access issues. But I hope that the license will ease the concerns of financial providers, the private sector and other actors, to show them that sanctions won’t be a risk for them to engage in Syria.”

AND

In announcing the license that grants a temporary reprieve for the regime, the deputy treasury secretary, Wally Adeyemo, said: “I want to make very clear that US sanctions in Syria will not stand in the way of life-saving efforts for the Syrian people. While US sanctions programs already contain robust exemptions for humanitarian efforts, today Treasury is issuing a blanket general license to authorize earthquake relief efforts so that those providing assistance can focus on what’s needed most: saving lives and rebuilding.”

AND

But since Damascus, along with allies like China and Russia, are eager to cast western sanctions as worsening the humanitarian situation, Washington’s exemption has its uses, Lister [Charles Lister, director of the Middle East Institute’s Syria program] said. “Sanctions is a complete side point, virtually irrelevant in terms of the flow of humanitarian assistance,” he said. “A lot of the complaints that we’re hearing around sanctions at the moment are just so, kind of, hypocritical, especially when they’re coming from supporters of the regime or from the Russians.”

Article #3:

At a press conference Tuesday in Damascus, Syrian Arab Red Crescent head Khaled Hboubati said his group is “ready to deliver relief aid to all regions of Syria, including areas not under government control.” He called for the European Union to lift its sanctions on Syria in light of the massive destruction caused by the earthquake.

Aid convoys and rescuers from several countries, notably key ally Russia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, and Algeria, have landed in airports in government-held Syria.

Still, the sanctions exacerbate the “difficult humanitarian situation,” Hboubati said. “There is no fuel even to send (aid and rescue) convoys, and this is because of the blockade and sanctions,” he said.

So far, the U.S. and its allies have resisted attempts at creating a political opening by way of the disaster response. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Monday that it would be “ironic, if not even counterproductive, for us to reach out to a government that has brutalized its people over the course of a dozen years now.”

Price said the U.S. would continue to provide aid through “humanitarian partners on the ground.”

Similarly, a spokesperson for the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the “sanctions regime was put in place in response to human rights violations and other abuses by the regime and their cronies.”

[kvibe-test]

Lebanon's Trap Music Revolution: Youth Empowerment Through Sound

The musical scene in Lebanon is undergoing a noteworthy transformation as trap music stakes its claim in the area. This genre, merging the persistent beats of hip-hop with innovative trap rhythms, offers young people in Lebanon a channel for expression amid economic and political hardships.

Socioeconomic Factors at Play

The ongoing economic crisis is one of the main forces propelling the rise of trap music in Lebanon. This situation has driven a new wave of musicians to utilize their craft as a form of protest and self-expression. With few traditional career paths available, these artists find empowerment in trap music, transforming their dissatisfaction into compelling lyrical stories.

The movement is also intertwined with the broader youth empowerment witnessed across Lebanon, especially since the critical 17 October Revolution. This significant period has motivated many young talents to make their mark in the music industry, using the genre as an energetic medium to convey their frustrations and aspirations.

Lacking extensive support from established music industries, many musicians have adopted a DIY attitude—producing their own tracks, filming music videos, and organizing shows. This grassroots strategy has nurtured a lively underground music scene, rich in creativity and innovation.

Musical Collaborations Fueling Growth

Collaboration is integral to the Lebanese trap environment, enhancing its diversity and spread. Locally, artists such as El Rass, Omar Adawie, and others regularly work together, building a strong network of community connections. These partnerships bring together varying styles and sounds, pushing the creative limits of the genre.

Outside Lebanese borders, regional collaborations are vital in fostering the unity of the Arab rap scene. A notable example is the partnership between El Rass and Egyptian musician Wegz, showcasing how these artists go beyond national borders to influence one another.

Globally, while Lebanese trap music retains a focus on local themes, it is not isolated. The genre takes inspiration from global rap and trap music, merging these elements while preserving a distinct Lebanese identity that critiques local socio-political issues.

Transformative Impact on the Music Landscape

Trap music's integration into Lebanon's musical fabric is increasingly prominent. Previously dominated by styles such as Tarab and Dabke, the Lebanese music scene is transforming, with trap music-focused events gaining traction. El Rass's involvement in music festivals, drawing large crowds, signifies growing acceptance and interest in the genre.

Rap and trap remain powerful platforms for social and political discourse. The genre provides Lebanese youth a method to examine political issues, bridging the gap between the public and the political sphere. This role solidifies trap's importance, not merely as entertainment but as an impetus for conversation and introspection.

Meanwhile, the underground scene continues to prosper, with artists establishing independent production facilities and platforms like Beirut Records to support local talent. This effort highlights a dedication to preserving and expanding the genre's influence and reach.

Navigating and Excelling in the Scene

For those aiming to thrive in the Lebanese trap scene, adopting a DIY approach is essential. Taking charge of one's creations ensures both financial efficiency and creative fulfillment. Networking is also crucial, with local and regional collaborations playing a pivotal role in amplifying the scene's network effect and exposing artists to broader audiences.

Moreover, artists are encouraged to use their platform to address local issues, providing a resonant story that deeply connects with listeners. Through this, trap music not only entertains but also educates, serving a transformative societal function.

Practical Initiatives for Artists

To succeed in Lebanon's evolving trap environment, artists must leverage digital platforms and social media, extending their reach beyond traditional infrastructure limitations. Engaging with grassroots music venues and initiatives is crucial to sustaining the underground community.

Ultimately, maintaining authenticity in lyrical content is vital. Genuine storytelling that captures the essence of Lebanese culture and challenges forges a robust connection between artists and audiences, propelling the continued growth of trap music in Lebanon.

#LebanonTrapMusic #LocalRap #YouthEmpowerment #SocialCommentary

Discover how music genres shape cultures. Learn about Lebanon's evolving sound!

[lebcare]

Support Lebanon: An Appeal to Action for a Nation Under Crisis

Once a thriving center of business and culture, Lebanon today suffers insurmountable problems endangering the welfare of its people. Years of political unrest, financial crisis, and the terrible Beirut port explosion have left millions of people in poverty trying to cover their fundamental requirements. Under these terrible conditions, foreign help has turned into a lifeline. Global solidarity is essential in enabling Lebanon to heal, whether through initiatives to help Lebanon, donations to charities, or urgent requests to send medicine to Lebanon.

To understand Lebanon's present crisis 

Among the worst humanitarian crises in modern history is the one Lebanon faces. Many families cannot afford food, housing, or healthcare, so the economic crisis has resulted in great poverty. The healthcare system is about to collapse meanwhile; it lacks staff and necessary medical supplies. Many now consider access to drugs and treatment to be a luxury.

  Against these challenges, people and companies all over have come together to offer aid. Those who want to be of assistance can donate to Lebanon or team with reputable organizations active on the ground. Whether large or small, every donation lessens suffering and gives underprivileged areas hope. 

How to Aid Lebanon

There are several ways to aid Lebanon, and every action helps the nation to heal:

1. Financial Donations: One of the best methods to give quick relief is by helping Lebanon financially. Funds are being directed by charitable groups including UNICEF, Caritas, and the Lebanese Red Cross towards food, water, and emergency supplies. 

Mailing medication to Lebanon: Medical supplies are desperately required as hospitals run short of medications meant to save lives. Campaigns aiming at sending medicine to Lebanon have been started by donors and groups addressing the urgent hospital and clinic shortages. 

Food and nutrition programs: Such programs are being given by charities to underprivileged households so they may eat wholesome meals amid rapidly rising inflation. Donate to Lebanon: Making an Impact Making a difference is easiest and most successful when one donates to Lebanon through respectable organizations. These groups guarantee responsible use of gifts, therefore targeting individuals most in need. Transparency is their main emphasis; they routinely inform donors on the results of their gifts. Active projects addressing both immediate and long-term needs abound in Lebanon among several foreign organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and the International Medical Corps. Your donations can support:

Giving underprivileged areas medical assistance.

Giving people impacted by calamities cover. 

Food and water distribution to displaced households.

Lebanon Charity: Helping Through Collective Action

Supported by international networks, Lebanese charities are absolutely vital in healing. Often working in difficult locations, grassroots groups make sure that help reaches underprivileged populations. Organizations such as the Lebanese Food Bank and Impact Lebanon, for instance, are well-known for their community-oriented crisis response. Your Contribution to Lebanon 

Though it is a lengthy path, healing is not unreachable. You may help by sponsoring projects to send medicine to Lebanon, making a Lebanon charitable donation, or supporting efforts at Aid Lebanon. Working together, we can aid a country in need of hope, dignity, and life rebuilt. Every deed matters—start today.

[starseedfxofficial]

Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire: Forex Opportunities Hidden in the Middle East News Shifting the Forex Landscape with Underground Middle East News The Forex market is like a game of chess. Each piece you move can either secure your success or lead to checkmate. Today, we’re diving into a secret corner of the financial news that’s quietly shifting the chessboard: the Middle East. The recent geopolitical moves in this region might sound like a far-off concern, but understanding them is the key to staying ahead in the Forex game. And trust me, these moves are worth a lot more than pawns. But let's keep it real. The Middle East news isn’t just about ceasefires and diplomacy; it’s also about the small ripples that become tidal waves—waves that smart traders can surf for profit. We’re going to break this down, underground-style, and I promise: no eye-glazing jargon, just clear insights and humor sprinkled in for good measure. After all, trading doesn’t have to be boring. Lebanon and Israel: On the Verge of a Truce or Another Bluff? Hezbollah, Israel, ceasefire—sounds like the usual rollercoaster, right? Well, it’s a bit more like realizing you’ve got two left shoes after an online shopping spree. Confusing and not entirely useful at first glance, but let’s polish this up a little. For traders, what’s happening between Israel and Lebanon isn’t just political theater. It’s also a massive game of signaling. When Israeli officials hint at a ceasefire—“we’re on the cusp”—it’s like someone saying they might, just maybe, buy Bitcoin at $40,000. Markets love signals, and when the Middle East throws up signs of peace, currencies like the Lebanese Pound could dance to a new tune. This isn’t just about Israel, though. Forex trading relies on catching these shifts before the broader market sees them. Every hint of ceasefire might be a chance to take a position on the USD/ILS or even the Euro, as broader stability in the Middle East can lead to unexpected currency correlations. Remember—the market is about perception as much as it is about fact. Iran, Nuclear Talks, and the Mystery Dance Iran and nuclear negotiations are like the Groundhog Day of international politics. We hear they’re going to meet up—this time with the UK, France, and Germany. But the real question is, does it matter for Forex? The answer is, definitely. Think of the nuclear talks as the fuel gauge for geopolitical risk in the region. The lower the risk (i.e., diplomacy goes smoothly), the higher the appetite for emerging markets, which could mean strength for currencies from countries aligned with Iranian diplomacy—like the Turkish Lira. Conversely, a faltering Iran-Europe discussion could mean increased volatility, pushing investors back into the safety of the USD. Traders should focus on timing: when are these talks scheduled? Friday—mark it down. If headlines start turning sour before then, you may want to hedge, and if things take a positive turn, keep your eyes on regional emerging market pairs. Drone Attacks: A Buzz in Ashdod and What It Means for Oil Hezbollah took to the skies over Ashdod Naval Base—a buzzing drone attack that’s the first of its kind, making headlines worldwide. To the average reader, this is just more bad news. But for us, it’s a hidden gem. Drone strikes near naval bases are a very real signal of heightened conflict risk, especially in oil transportation routes. Oil prices react to even the slightest whiff of disruption. And if oil is moving, you can bet that oil-dependent currencies like the CAD (Canadian Dollar) will move too. This isn’t the stuff of conspiracy theories—it’s about being a step ahead. When there’s pressure in the Gulf or around Israel’s coastline, it’s time to look at oil futures, then make your move on the USD/CAD. Murder, Politics, and Forex: How Israel’s Latest Crisis Affects Market Moves Okay, real talk: the news about Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan being murdered in the UAE is tragic, and beyond the personal loss, it’s also setting off political shockwaves. Iran has denied involvement, but you know how these accusations go—it’s a back-and-forth game where both sides deny until they’re blue in the face. But here’s where things get interesting for Forex traders. Israel’s Prime Minister called the act a terrorist attack, vowing to take action. The market loves safety, and incidents like this drive traders into safe-haven currencies—which usually means a stronger USD or JPY. Pay attention to Israeli government announcements here. If the situation escalates, or tensions with Iran heighten, expect investors to pile into safer waters. That means buying dollars or yen while everyone else is figuring out the politics. Why You Should Care: Insights You Won’t Hear on Mainstream News All this might seem distant, but every geopolitical twist and turn means opportunity for those who know where to look. Here's the hidden pattern: while most traders focus on macro indicators and big economic data, smart Forex traders understand that politics and sentiment in regions like the Middle East move markets in subtle, powerful ways. This is your chance to trade the shadows—to take advantage of trends that most traders dismiss as "just news." Did you know that during previous conflicts, the Lebanese Pound experienced micro-surges due to changes in investor confidence based on nothing more than a handful of rumors about ceasefires? Imagine having the inside scoop on which way the market would turn—that's where the edge is. By keeping a close eye on the dance between Iran, Israel, and the rest of the Middle East, you could potentially position yourself ahead of big market moves. This isn’t the kind of insight that your run-of-the-mill trader will pick up on; it’s what makes the difference between profit and regret. Ready to Take the Leap? Advanced Methods for Complex Markets Sure, you could sit this out and wait for "more stable times," but guess what? There are no stable times in the Forex world—only opportunities we seize or miss. Understanding political tensions isn’t just about reading the news, it’s about analyzing where the market is going to react—and taking that leap before everyone else. And hey, if all of this seems overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Dive into our Forex Education for exclusive strategies, or get in on our Community Membership for expert analysis and live trading insights. This isn’t just about knowing what to do; it’s about knowing when and how to do it with precision. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[bllsbailey]

IDF Says Hezbollah Is Hiding $500M In Gold And Money In Bunker Under Beirut Hospital

Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari speaks to the press.

Israeli intelligence findings regarding the financial center of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, including a bunker beneath a south Beirut hospital that holds hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold, was disclosed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday.

Israel stepped up its campaign against Hezbollah on Sunday night, carrying out a number of attacks to weaken the terror group’s financial support from Iran.

“The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of precise strikes on these Hezbollah financial strongholds,” said IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a briefing. “One of our main targets last night was an underground vault with tens of millions of dollars in cash and gold. The money was being used to finance Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel,” he added.

Hagari went on to mention another bunker beneath a hospital in the capital, Beirut, that was reportedly also loaded with cash and gold. However, he said that the IDF had not yet targeted the vault.

“According to the estimates we have, there is at least half a billion dollars in dollar bills and gold stored in this bunker,” Hagari stated. “This money could and still can be used to rebuild the state of Lebanon.”

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 21, 2024

Hagari even went as far to provide a map during the briefing that indicated the bunker’s exact location beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut, which is home to a substantial portion of Hezbollah’s headquarters.

He cautioned that the Israeli Air Force is keeping an eye on the facility, and he urged Lebanese authorities and international organizations to stop Hezbollah from utilizing “the money for terror and to attack Israel.”

He stated that the IDF will not attack the hospital, claiming that Israel is at war with Hezbollah and not the Lebanese people.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced earlier on Monday that over two dozen targets of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial company associated with Hezbollah, had been targeted as well.

“We struck close to 30 targets across Lebanon,” Halevi said in a statement.

The comments were made as the IDF reported that it has continued to strike approximately 300 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

Since the 1980s, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial company that is formally registered as a charity, has been providing interest-free credit to clients in exchange for gold deposits. Israel accuses Hezbollah of using AQAH to profit from civilians in Lebanon.

The group has long been sanctioned by the United States, which claims Hezbollah uses it as a front to conceal its financial operations and obtain access to the global financial system.

“In recent years, the state of Lebanon has experienced a deep financial crisis, which was exploited by Hezbollah,” the IDF spokesperson stated on Monday, explaining that the terrorist group’s two main sources of income are the ‘Lebanese people and the Iranian regime,’” the Times of Israel reported.

The head of Hezbollah’s financial branch, which transfers money from Iran to its proxy, was the target of an Israeli airstrike in Syria on Monday, Hagari also revealed.

According to IDF estimates, the ongoing fighting has claimed the lives of about 2,000 Hezbollah operatives. Hundreds of people have also reportedly been slain in Lebanon, along with about 100 members of other terrorist organizations.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

[ofw-job-orders]

Lebanese Crucible: OFW Welders Face Currency Volatility & Labor Strife

The sun beats down on Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reflecting off the nervous sweat on Rommel’s brow. He clutches his worn suitcase, a welding mask strapped to the side. He’s leaving for Lebanon, a land he knows only through stories from other OFWs, stories of opportunity tinged with hardship. Rommel, a skilled welder, hopes this journey will finally lift his family out of poverty. He’s joining the ranks of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers, sacrificing proximity to family for the promise of a better future. He, like many welders seeking work abroad, represents a significant segment of the OFW population, often drawn to countries like Lebanon for construction and infrastructure projects.

Lebanon, a nation grappling with its own complex political and economic landscape, has long been a destination for OFWs seeking employment. For decades, Filipino domestic workers, nurses, and construction workers, including welders like Rommel, have filled critical labor gaps in the Lebanese economy. Yet, this reliance on foreign labor hasn’t always translated into fair and equitable treatment. Labor disputes are a recurring theme in the OFW experience in Lebanon, often stemming from issues like unpaid wages, exploitative working conditions, and limited legal recourse.

The volatile nature of the Lebanese economy, compounded by periods of currency fluctuations, further exacerbates the challenges faced by OFWs. A strong Philippine Peso relative to the Lebanese Pound might seem beneficial initially, allowing OFWs to send more money home. However, periods of rapid devaluation of the Lebanese Pound can quickly erode these gains, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet and meet their financial obligations back home. For instance, the severe economic crisis that gripped Lebanon in recent years, marked by hyperinflation and a dramatic plunge in the value of the Lebanese Pound, left many OFWs, including welders, in dire financial straits. Their hard-earned wages, once substantial when converted to Philippine Pesos, suddenly held a fraction of their former value.

This economic instability adds another layer of complexity to already precarious labor disputes. When employers face financial difficulties, they may be tempted to delay or withhold wages, leaving OFWs vulnerable and desperate. The lack of a robust legal framework and enforcement mechanisms to protect OFW rights in such situations can leave them feeling powerless and exploited. For welders like Rommel, whose skills are in demand but whose legal protections are often inadequate, navigating these challenges becomes a constant struggle.

These financial anxieties are often compounded by the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones. Birthdays missed, children’s graduations witnessed only through grainy video calls, and the everyday joys and sorrows of family life experienced from afar – these are the sacrifices OFWs make in their pursuit of a better life. Rommel carries these burdens with him, his hopes for the future intertwined with the anxieties of the present.

Navigating a foreign land with a different culture, language, and social norms can be daunting. This is where cultural sensitivity training comes into play. While technical skills are crucial for welders like Rommel, understanding the cultural nuances of the host country is equally important for a successful and harmonious work experience. Cultural sensitivity training can equip OFWs with the knowledge and tools to navigate intercultural interactions effectively, fostering respect, understanding, and positive working relationships.

Such training can cover a range of topics, from basic language skills and local customs to understanding religious practices and social etiquette. Learning how to communicate effectively, address colleagues appropriately, and navigate workplace hierarchies can significantly reduce the potential for misunderstandings and conflict. For example, understanding the importance of Ramadan in a predominantly Muslim country like Lebanon allows OFWs to show respect and build rapport with their colleagues. Similarly, knowing how to address elders or superiors demonstrates cultural sensitivity and fosters a positive working environment.

Cultural sensitivity training can also help OFWs understand their rights and responsibilities within the host country’s legal framework. It can empower them to identify potential exploitation, seek assistance when needed, and advocate for their rights effectively. This is particularly crucial in sectors like construction, where welders often work in challenging environments and may be vulnerable to exploitation.

Beyond navigating workplace dynamics, cultural sensitivity training can also enhance the overall experience of living and working abroad. It can enable OFWs to engage with the local community, build friendships, and experience the richness of the host country’s culture. This can contribute to a more fulfilling and positive experience, mitigating the feelings of isolation and homesickness that often accompany working far from home.

While cultural sensitivity training provides invaluable tools for navigating a new culture, the onus of ensuring fair treatment and just working conditions ultimately rests with governments and employers. Strengthening bilateral agreements between the Philippines and host countries like Lebanon, implementing robust mechanisms for monitoring working conditions, and ensuring access to legal recourse for OFWs are crucial steps towards protecting their rights and well-being.

Organizations like OFWJobs.org play a vital role in connecting OFWs with potential employers and providing them with resources and information about working abroad. These platforms can also serve as a valuable channel for disseminating information about cultural sensitivity training and promoting best practices for ethical recruitment and employment.

The journey of an OFW, like Rommel’s, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of hope, sacrifice, and resilience. While the pursuit of economic opportunity drives them to distant shores, the challenges they face highlight the need for greater protections, support, and understanding. Cultural sensitivity training, while not a panacea, is a crucial tool in equipping OFWs to navigate the complexities of working abroad, fostering positive intercultural interactions, and empowering them to advocate for their rights. As Rommel takes his first steps on Lebanese soil, he carries with him not only the weight of his welding mask but also the hopes and dreams of a family back home, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Overseas Filipino Worker. He, along with millions of other OFWs, contribute significantly to the economies of both their host countries and the Philippines, underscoring the need for a global framework that recognizes their value and protects their rights. Their stories, woven together, create a powerful narrative of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring pursuit of a better future.

[findbestsol]

🌍💔 Living in a world of constant news can be overwhelming, but it's essential to stay informed. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the incidents shaping our global landscape right now: 🔹 **Middle East Conflict:** With Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Gaza resulting in tragic civilian casualties, the Lebanese health minister calls it “carnage.” What are your thoughts on the escalating tensions? 🔹 **Politics in the US:** The presidential race heats up with Trump vs. Harris - each moment is crucial. How do you feel about the state of politics these days? 🔹 **Natural Disasters:** From floods in Central Europe to Hurricane Helene's destruction in the US, nature is showing no mercy. Let's discuss how we can support recovery efforts! 🔹 **Health Crisis:** A new study reveals that one in three children are becoming short-sighted, worsened by screen time and lockdowns. What do you think we can do as a community to encourage healthier habits for our kids? 🔹 **Crime and Justice:** Big news in the financial world with Caroline Ellison being sentenced for her involvement in the FTX scandal. What are your thoughts on the accountability in the crypto space? ✨ Let's talk about these events and their impact on our lives. Share your views, reblog, and let’s keep the conversation going! 🔗 For a deeper look into these events, check out the full article here: [Global Headlines: Conflict, Climate, and Controversies](https://medium.com/@meditationmusicshiva/global-headlines-conflict-climate-and-controversies-e14b56c1f021) #CurrentEvents #WorldNews #Politics #Health #NaturalDisasters #SocialMedia #GlobalCrisis #StayInformed #CommunityDiscussion

[certificationgdp]

How does the regulatory environment in Lebanon support or hinder the adoption of ISO 22301 standards?

/ Uncategorized / By Factocert Mysore

Lebanon’s Journe­y to ISO 22301 Certification:

ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon bolstering Firm Stability and Uninterrupte­d Business Flow Our world is growing more unpredictable­ daily, making the ability for organizations to predict, plan for, react to, and bounce­ back from disturbances invaluable. This is where­ ISO 22301 consultant in Lebanon , the universal criteria for Busine­ss Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), ste­ps in. For Lebanese firms, gaining ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon can be a meaningful stride toward e­nsuring sturdiness and longevity. This post delve­s into the significance, advantages, and me­thod of securing ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon. 

Understanding ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon

De­coding  ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon lays out the standards for a management syste­m to shield against, decrease­ the chances of, and confirm your ente­rprise rebounds from disruptive e­vents. It spotlights the vital parts of business continuity planning, like­ risk appraisal, impact examination, and recovery approache­s. ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon Role in Lebanon. Lebanon, with its distinct socio-e­conomic hurdles and geopolitical backdrop, is subject to myriad thre­ats that could hinder business tasks. These­ involve political unrest, economic shifts, and acts of nature­. ISO 22301 consultant services in Lebanon can grant Lebanese­ firms a structured scaffold to handle these­ risks efficiently.

The regulatory environment in Lebanon support or hinder the adoption of ISO 22301 standards

Lebanon’s re­gulations can push or pull the use of ISO 22301 standards. This is vital for firms aiming to enact Busine­ss Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) in harmony with ISO 22301. He­re’s what to think about: 

Positive Points Governme­nt Actions and Policies: The Lebane­se government is working towards be­tter national endurance and disaste­r readiness. By aiming to boost eme­rgency action and crisis handling, they indirectly promote­ ISO 22301. This leads to better plans for busine­ss continuity.

 Industry-level Rules: Some­ fields, like banking, communications, and health, have­ regulations underlining business continuity and disaste­r recovery. The Ce­ntral Bank of Lebanon, for example, has rule­s to keep banks running smoothly. This matches with ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon principle­s. 

Public-Private Teamwork: Joint work betwe­en the governme­nt and private firms to better infrastructure­ endurance and crisis handling ability create­s a supportive atmosphere for ISO 22301 consultant services in Lebanon use­. This teamwork often includes le­arning programs, awareness drives, and sharing re­sources.

Backing from Global Organizations: Lebanon rece­ives help from worldwide organizations and NGOs that offe­r funding and resources. This aids in reducing disaste­r risk and business continuity initiatives, thus enabling the­ use of ISO 22301 standards. 

Obstacles Political Unrest: Le­banon’s political turbulence can make it tough to apply and e­nforce rules consistently. This can discourage­ firms from investing in long-term business continuity ste­ps, for example, ISO 22301 certification.

 Economic Hurdle­s: Lebanon’s economic state, marke­d by financial problems and inflation, can restrict resource­s for embracing and upkeeping ISO 22301 standards. Economic struggle­s could lead to budget limits, hindering infrastructure­ and training investment. 

Regulatory Discre­pancies: There could be­ shortcomings or inconsistencies in regulations that don’t fully back compre­hensive ISO 22301 consultant in Lebanon adoption. Lack of rules e­nforcing business continuity planning across all industries could slow down widespre­ad usage. 

Limited Knowledge­ and Expertise: Lebane­se organizations, mainly SMEs, often lack awarene­ss and expertise about ISO 22301 standards. If busine­sses don’t know enough about ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon bene­fits and requirements, the­y may be slow to go after certification.

 Re­source Constraints: ISO 22301 auditor in Lebanon application demands significant time, mone­y, and labor investment. For many firms, espe­cially small ones, these re­source constraints can be a big hurdle.

Why Factocert for ISO 22301 Certification in Lebanon?

We provide the best ISO consultants in Lebanon Who are knowledgeable and provide the best solution. And how to get  ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon . Kindly reach us at contact@factocert.com. ISO 22301 certification consultants work according to ISO 22301 standards and help organizations implement ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon with proper documentation.

For more information, visit ISO 22301 certification in Lebanon

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